Content warning: this story includes comments on suicidal ideation.
The athletic community is mourning the loss of a treasured figure.
John Brenkus, who acted as host and founder of ESPN’s Sports Science TV show, died following a battle with depression, according to a statement shared to his social media. He was 54.
“John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025,” read the statement. “His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.”
John was the co-founder of Base Productions and founder of Brinx.tv, in addition to his role with Sports Science.
The latter series premiered in 2007 on Fox Sports Network before transitioning to ESPN in 2010. Throught its tenure, the series—which uncovered “sports’ biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity,” per ESPN—earned six Emmys.
He was also the executive producer of Crime 360 in 2008 and the author of The Perfection Point, a New York Times bestseller which calculated the limits of athletic performance.
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